Essential safety tips for pregnant women during Diwali

Dr Gupta further added that for expectant mothers understanding that the things you breathe in enter your bloodstream and impact the developing foetus is crucial. “As everyone knows, it’s not ideal to breathe in the smoke that firecrackers create. Your baby’s organs form between the sixth and the twelfth week of pregnancy. Thus, it is best to stay away from the pollution that firecrackers produce,” said Dr Gupta.

On the other hand, severe cases of skin allergy are also noticed during and after Diwali. “Due to the increase in pollutant levels, symptoms like eye burns, skin allergy and skin rashes are often seen,” explained Dr Gupta.

“Other common reactions include rashes, eczema, burning sensations, irritation, and allergies in the eyes,” said Dr Jatin Mittal, cosmetologist and skin expert from Abhivrit Aesthetics, New Delhi. Furthermore, free radicals, which are produced by pollutants, can harm your skin’s collagen. “This may result in wrinkles and fine lines, which are early indicators of ageing. Firecracker chemical residues can land on the skin and cause allergic responses, redness, and discomfort. Furthermore, the increased dust in the air has the potential to clog pores, leading to acne breakouts,” said Dr Mittal.

Safeguard yourself from pollution with these tips (Express Photo by Amit Chakravarty)

What can you do?

Following are the few tips for a pregnant woman to ensure a safe festive season suggested by Dr Gupta

*First and foremost, a pregnant woman should wear flat shoes and comfortable clothing. Cotton clothing is a preferable option because synthetics tend to catch fire more easily.

*Steer clear of lighting anar, rocket, or chakri fireworks, which require you to flee to a safer distance before they explode. Use caution when using the handheld sparklers.

*Loud noises should be avoided because they could become very upsetting and distressing for both the mother and the foetus.

*Avoid lifting or transporting any kind of heavy object.

*Make every effort to stay inside. In this manner, pollution will be avoided and you will get plenty of sleep, said Dr Gupta.

Pollution and smoke from crackers can hamper your skin and other body parts. Here are few precautionary measures that one should opt suggested by Dr Mittal

*Make sure to cleanse your face regularly to maintain healthy skin. Make use of a mild cleanser with a pH balance to get rid of impurities and dust particles and keep your pores clear. A good way to keep your skin healthy is to cleanse it twice a day, in the morning and right before bed.

*To keep your skin hydrated from the inside out, make sure you drink lots of water throughout the day. Maintaining adequate hydration will help your skin look its best because dehydrated skin can appear lifeless and dull.

*Select a high-quality facial oil or serum that is high in vitamins and antioxidants. By scavenging free radicals generated by air pollution, antioxidants can protect your skin from harm. Vitamin C, vitamin E, and niacinamide are among the ingredients that can help your skin look younger and feel more refreshed.

*While many pregnant women have the custom of wearing a lot of makeup on Diwali, doing so can worsen the effects of air pollution on your skin. Makeup can cling to impurities and pollutants, causing pore blockages and other skin problems. “Try to avoid wearing a lot of makeup to lessen this, especially if you spend a lot of time outside. Before going to bed, make sure to remove all of your makeup completely with a mild makeup remover by choosing light, breathable products,” said Dr Mittal.

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